Small Portable Equipment

Today, one in eight people in Ireland continues to dump small electrical items in household bins. This new research by WEEE Ireland also suggests, the figure almost doubles among younger age groups, which are perceived as more environmentally conscious. 

The research survey reveals one in four 18-24-year-olds and one in five aged 35-44 get rid of common household electrical items such as smart watches, earbuds and blue tooth speakers in general waste bins. 

Research

The survey, conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland go’s on to say, laptops, mobile phones, gaming devices, power tools and e-cigarettes are also being placed alongside other general waste bins, meaning these items can never be re-used or recycled. Simply, please don’t use the black or green bin to recycle electrical items and share this message with others in your home.

With many small personal devices now powered by small lithium batteries, there is an increased safety risk with fire as major concern for household waste collection companies receiving these items in bins.

The low recycling rates for small electrics are echoed in global statistics, with the recent Global E-Waste Monitor revealing that less than one quarter (22.3%) of e-waste was properly recycled in 2022, falling sharply to just 12% for small devices. 

Experience

Ireland has experience and a really good record for safely recycling larger household electrics like washing machines, tumble dyers, cookers fridges and other electrical appliances but this needs to be matched when it comes to smaller electricals. This will ensure the safe and efficient recovery and reuse of important materials contained in small electrical equipment. 

By helping address these challenges you help reduce risks our environmental and public health and help support a greener, more sustainable future.”

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free at hundreds of local authority recycling centres, public WEEE Ireland recycling collection day events and participating retailers. Find your nearest recycling point on our interactive map including at Recycle IT in Dublin 22.

To read more about the WEEE Ireland research please click here

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at